Prior experience key for England

England have been careful to ensure Alastair Cook is surrounded by experience as well as new blood for the first Investec Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's.

Matt Prior perhaps owes his recall to that intent, back as wicketkeeper-batsman and senior player - if not vice-captain - after being dropped during England's Ashes whitewash last winter.

At 32, Prior is preferred to the fast-tracking of Jos Buttler's Test career - and Cook appears reassured to have such a familiar presence alongside him at a time when England seem set, for the second successive Test, to introduce three debutants.

Asked why Prior got the nod ahead of 23-year-old Buttler, Cook said: "For his long-term record as an England cricketer.

"I think he's played almost 80 games - that's a wealth of experience in a side which is changing."

England have satisfied themselves Prior is fit after the Achilles injury which severely curtailed the start of his summer, but have made the opposite call on the readiness of emerging all-rounder Ben Stokes - who broke his wrist three months ago and has also only just returned to first-class cricket.